Escape to Paradise: Ariki Backpackers, New Plymouth's BEST Hostel!
Escape to Paradise: Ariki Backpackers, New Plymouth's BEST Hostel!
Escape to Paradise: Ariki Backpackers - New Plymouth's Secret Weapon (And Honestly, You Need This!)
Okay, listen up, fellow wanderers! I'm not one for hyperbole, but seriously, Escape to Paradise: Ariki Backpackers in New Plymouth? It’s less a hostel and more a portal to pure, unadulterated chill. And, let me tell you, after a particularly draining experience where I went on a date with a pigeon, I NEEDED this.
(Before we dive in, let's get the SEO-stuff out of the way. Because, you know, Google hates it when you’re too enthusiastic…or maybe it's the pigeon… New Plymouth Hostels, Ariki Backpackers, Budget Accommodation New Plymouth, New Zealand Hostels, Backpackers New Plymouth, Wheelchair Friendly Hostels, Free Wi-Fi New Plymouth, Things to do New Plymouth…)
Right, now that's out of the way…
First Things First: The Vibe. It's…Good.
Seriously. From the moment I walked in, I felt a collective sigh of relief. This place just gets it. It's not all flash and pretense. It’s real. It's lived-in. It's like a giant, comfy hug. And trust me, sometimes you just need a hug, especially after a week of trying to understand the existential dread of a pigeon.
Accessibility? They Actually Care.
Let's be honest, accessibility in hostels can be… dicey. But Ariki Backpackers actually gets it. They have Elevators, facilities for disabled guests, and offer accessible rooms. No more lugging bags up flights of stairs while muttering under your breath! This is a HUGE win. I didn’t personally need these, but seeing it, and knowing it was there, made me feel more comfortable about everyone being welcome. And I’m all about that.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, Germs are Gross
Look, post-pandemic, we’re all a little paranoid. Ariki Backpackers totally understands. I was super impressed with the Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and rooms sanitized between stays. They've got the Hygiene certification, and the staff is trained in those protocol. It’s not just clean; it feels clean. And even more amazing, the Staff are trained in safety protocol. They've even got First aid kits, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms, so you can relax.
The Food & Drink Scene - Fueling the Adventure (or Just the Hangover)
Okay, let's be real, sometimes the food in hostels is… well, let's just say "rustic." But Ariki Backpackers actually has a decent selection, even a place to have a Western breakfast! I got a proper cooked breakfast to cure my pigeon-provoked hangover. And they have a bar! They’ve got a coffee shop, with proper barista coffee (essential!), plus a snack bar. While on the subject of food, they offer breakfast service, and alternate meal arrangement.
Internet? You Can Actually Use It!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! No more huddling around a weak signal in the corner of the common room, desperately trying to upload that Insta-story. Internet access – wireless, and Internet access – LAN are also available. The internet connection? Solid. Reliable. My video call with my grandma? Smooth. My pigeon-related internet search? Also smooth.
Things to Do & Those "Ways to Relax"…Let's Talk About That Pool!
So, here's where things get interesting. They have a swimming pool [outdoor] and a Pool with a view. Honestly, sometimes all you need is to float in some water and stare at the sky. And it's not just that. They have Sauna and Spa/sauna. They also had Body scrubs and Body wraps. They also had Massage. They offer some Things to do, so there is a Fitness center, and Gym/fitness for those who like to workout.
And now, here’s where I had my "moment." I had a particularly stressful travel day that involved a questionable bus ride and a run-in with a flock of aggressive seagulls. Honestly, I felt like I was made of stress. That’s when I stumbled upon the Pool with a view. I just… sat. And stared. At the sky. At the water. And all that pigeon stress melted away. It felt like I was in my own little bubble of tranquility. I seriously think it saved my mental health.
Services and Conveniences: They've Thought of Everything (Almost)
I mean, they have Air conditioning in public areas, airport transfer, bicycle parking, car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], concierge, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, doorman, dry cleaning, elevator, iron, ironing service, laundry service, luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, security [24-hour], and all the other usual suspects. They even have a convenience store! Pretty much everything you could possibly need, without having to leave the comfy embrace of the hostel. They also offer Cashless payment service, and contactless check-in/out.
The Rooms: Comfort is Key (and Sometimes, Sleep is All You Need)
The rooms? Comfy. They have Air conditioning, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and Window that opens. I had a room with a view, non-smoking room. The Soundproof rooms were a real game changer when my neighbor decided to practice their bagpipes at 3 am. The Rooms sanitized between stays helped ease my mind about the hygiene aspects during the pandemic.
Quirks & Observations
- There's a resident cat. Need I say more?
- The staff are genuinely friendly, not the "forced smile" kind. They actually seem to enjoy their jobs. Bless them.
- The common room is a melting pot of cultures and conversations. I met some incredible people. Even a guy who, surprisingly, understood my pigeon-related existential angst.
Alright, Let's Get to the Pitch! (Because You Deserve Paradise)
So, are you ready to ditch the stress, the chaos, and the pigeons (hopefully)? Do you crave clean, comfortable, and welcoming that's actually accessible?
Here's the deal:
Book your stay at Escape to Paradise: Ariki Backpackers in New Plymouth TODAY!
Special Offer: Use code ESCAPE2PARADISE and get a free drink at the bar and a discount on your first spa treatment. (Because, seriously, you deserve it!)
Don't wait! This place books up FAST. Consider this your official permission slip to escape to paradise. You deserve it. And if you meet a pigeon, well… just walk away. Seriously.
Greece's Hidden Gem: Dandy Villas Tsagkarada Mini Pool Paradise!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-penned travel itinerary. This is… my brain dump, slash New Plymouth, New Zealand, survival guide from Ariki Backpackers. And trust me, survival is a skill.
The "Ariki Adventures: Aka, How I Didn't Die & (Mostly) Enjoyed Myself" Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Utter Confusion (Plus Burger Addiction)
- 14:00 - Arrival at Ariki Backpackers: Found the place! Which, let's be honest, was a minor miracle considering my sense of direction rivals a blind bat in a hurricane. Got the key… which, for a solid 2 minutes, I couldn't figure out how to use. The lovely lady at reception (whose name I immediately forgot, sorry!) rescued me. Bless her. First impression? Ariki Backpackers is… well, it's a backpackers. Smells of damp laundry and hopeful dreams. (Mine, mostly.)
- 15:00 - Settle into the Dorm: My bunk? Top bunk. Naturally. The view? Of a rather enthusiastic gecko that seems to consider me its personal entertainment. My roomies? Silent. I swear I heard one of them, some time later, tell me to shut up when I was trying to be friendly.
- 16:00 - Crisis: Food. (aka, Burger Panic): This is where things went sideways. I'm a creature of habit. I found a burger joint, "BurgerFuel." I tried to be a cool traveler… I am not a cool traveler. I wanted two burgers. I ate two burgers. They're calling me "Burger Lady" now….
- 18:00 - Attempted Socialization (Fail): Back to the communal kitchen. Tried to chat with a couple of surfers (they were wearing wetsuits, so I assumed they were surfers). My opening line? "So, uh… are you… surfers?" They stared. I retreated to my bunk. The gecko watched. I am starting to think the gecko is judging me.
- 19:00 - Dinner: Instant ramen by a man in a cowboy hat. At least there was someone.
Day 2: The Beach, the Volcano, and the Existential Dread of Being a Tourist
- 08:00 - Wake up! (ish): Slept like the dead. Which probably means I wasn't snoring, which is a win.
- 09:00 - Coastal Walk on the Coastal Walkway: The Coastal Walkway. The name is misleading. There are hills. And wind. Pretty fantastic, though. The sea looks angry, the mountain looks majestic. I feel… insignificant. And slightly sunburned.
- 11:00 - Break at the Cafe: Coffee and a muffin, which I promptly dropped half of. I am graceful, I swear. This place is nice though, the people are nicer.
- 14:00 - Mt. Taranaki (The Volcano): Now, this mountain. This absolute beast of a mountain. I attempted a hike… for approximately 10 minutes. Then turned back because I’m woefully out of shape and the weather turned from "sunny" to "apocalyptic." I am now questioning my life choices. And the wisdom of wearing chucks to a volcano.
- 16:00 - Back to Ariki, the Dreaded Dorm: My roommates are still silent. Gecko is still judging. I started a conversation with the friendly receptionist. She seems to be the only person I can talk to. She seems nice.
- 19:00 - Cooked my own dinner (success!): Scrambled eggs and toast. A culinary masterpiece! At least my stomach agreed.
- 20:00 - Attempted reading: Fell asleep.
Day 3: The Power of Repeat Experiences and a Full Stomach
- 08:00 - Wake up: Realize the reason I found the receptionist so kind. She's kind because she's human.
- 09:00 - Coastal Walkway Round 2: I went again. Went further. Maybe it's Stockholm Syndrome. Maybe it's the fresh air. Maybe it's because I'm starting to recognize the landmarks. Whatever it is, I'm feeling… less like a lost puppy.
- 11:00 - Repeat Cafe visit: Another muffin, another coffee, another perfect view. This is starting to feel… normal. And good.
- 14:00 - Burger Fuel!: I returned, and I'm not sorry. I will not apologize for my burger consumption. The staff at the counter already knew what I wanted. I was starting to feel like a local!
- 16:00 - Attempted Laundry (Disaster): The washing machine… well, let's just say I'm pretty sure I shrunk my favorite t-shirt. Note to self: Laundry is NOT my strong suit. And the dry is way too hot for nice clothes so now I'm wearing the t-shirt, except it's the size of a doll.
- 18:00 - A Chat with the Receptionist, the Angel of Ariki: More conversation. She told me some local legends, recommendations. Actually helpful!
- 20:00 - Board Games!: Ariki has board games. Actual board games. Maybe this backpackers wasn't so bad after all. We all sat in the kitchen area, we were strangers. A little bit of a headache, but the nice of a friendly environment.
Day 4: Departure and the lingering aftertaste of adventure
- 08:00 - Wake up: Staring out the window, where the sun shines. Today I decide to smile.
- 09:00 - Last Walk of the Coastal Walkway: I said goodbye to the walk. Farewell to the sun, the sea, and the volcano.
- 10:00 - Last Drink at the Cafe: I saw the same barista. I smiled.
- 11:00 - Head off to the next place. This time I have to ride a bus to the next destination. I smiled.
Final Thoughts (aka, Rambling Conclusion):
Ariki Backpackers, New Plymouth. It was… an experience. It was messy, awkward, and occasionally soul-crushing. But it was also beautiful, surprising, and full of small victories. I conquered a volcano (kind of), faced my burger addiction (and embraced it), and maybe, just maybe, learned something about myself. And the gecko. The gecko was always watching. Farewell Ariki. And, farewell.
Uncover the Lost Secrets of Shambhala Palace: A Tibetan Jewel in Lhasa
Escape to Paradise: Ariki Backpackers - The Unofficial FAQs (Because TripAdvisor is SO BORING!)
So, is Ariki Backpackers *really* the best hostel in New Plymouth? (And by 'best', do you mean 'slightly less terrifying'?)
Look, let's be real. "Best" is subjective. My "best" might involve copious amounts of instant noodles and questionable life choices. But yeah, Ariki? It's damn good. Seriously. I stayed there for like, three weeks after my car decided to become one with the Taranaki landscape (thanks, gravity!). The *vibes*, man. The *vibes*. It's the kind of place where someone will offer you a beer, even if they're still slightly suspicious of your bizarre inability to fold a fitted sheet. It's got that "worn around the edges, but secretly awesome" feel. Like a favorite pair of hiking boots. Which, by the way, you'll probably need.
And, to answer the "less terrifying" part... well, depends on the night. Some nights are epic, with impromptu jam sessions and questionable dance moves in the common area. Others? You're listening to a snorer from three dorms over, and you're pretty sure you've contracted a mystery illness from the communal kitchen. But hey, that's backpacking, right? Embrace the chaos!
What's the deal with the dorm rooms? Are we talking prison cell or... cozy bunk bed paradise?
Okay, "cozy bunk bed paradise" might be pushing it. Think... cleanish, usually. They've got the usual suspects: bunk beds, a locker (bring your own lock, you ninny!), and maybe a power outlet that actually *works*. (Important life skill: knowing where the hidden power outlet is in any hostel, especially during a phone-charging emergency). The ones I stayed in were pretty good for a hostel, definitely better than that place in Auckland with the questionable plumbing. I had a bunk on the top level, which actually had a decent view of the mountain, you know, when it wasn't hiding behind the relentless New Zealand weather.
Pro-tip: pack earplugs. Trust me on this. And a sleep mask. Unless you *enjoy* being blinded by the guy across the room who insists on running his phone on max brightness all night. Ugh.
The kitchen... is cooking actually possible? Or is it a warzone of burnt toast and passive-aggressive note-writing?
The kitchen... Ah, the kitchen. It's the heart of the hostel, and also, occasionally, a source of intense culinary drama. Look, it's mostly a collaborative effort. You'll have the chefs, the learners, and the "I'm just here for the free tea bags" brigade. Often, someone's forgotten their cooking utensils. Someone's burnt the toast. *Again*. Someone's hogging the good pots. (I'm looking at you, Dave from Germany, and your insistence on making pasta at 3 AM.)
But! It's also where you'll meet the best people! I vividly recall the night I tried to make a curry and completely failed. It tasted like… well, like disappointment and slightly burnt spices. The Kiwi (who was basically a culinary god amongst us) took pity on me. He showed me how to make a half-decent curry (still not as good as his, granted), we shared some beers, and somehow ended up discussing the merits of different hiking trails. It's the simple moments that make it. Just be ready to wash your own dishes and don't steal anyone's avocados, alright?
What about the social scene? Am I going to be stuck in a corner, listening to my own internal monologue?
Okay, so, I'm not the most naturally social person. I'm more of a "find a comfy chair in the corner with a good book" kind of traveler. But even *I* managed to make friends at Ariki. They have a common area, a deck, and they often have organized bonfires, and movie nights.
The key is to *try*. Strike up a conversation. Ask someone where they're from. Offer to share your (questionable) cooking. You might meet your next travel buddy, or at the very least, find someone to commiserate with about the insane price of coffee in this country. Or you might not. And that's okay too. Sometimes, a quiet night by yourself, is exactly what you need, especially after a long day of hiking. (More on that later... the hiking is EPIC.)
The staff... are they friendly? Or are they just surviving on instant coffee and the vague promise of future escape?
The staff? They're generally awesome. Seriously. They're the kind of people who remember your name, offer helpful tips, and don’t judge you (too much) for the state of your laundry. I remember asking for help with my car situation and they were SO unbelievably helpful. They're a wealth of local knowledge, knowing the best hikes, and the places to get food and drink. They’re also probably pretty good at pretending they haven't heard the same questions a hundred times. (Though, sometimes, you can see a flicker of weary amusement in their eyes!)
There was this one guy, I think his name was Ben? He was always up for a chat and had this ridiculously infectious laugh. He basically became my unofficial tour guide, showing me all the best spots around New Plymouth. (And yes, he *did* recommend the best coffee shop. Bless him.)
Is there anything *bad* about Ariki Backpackers? (Besides the potential for communal foot odor.)
Okay, let's be honest here. Nothing's perfect. The Wi-Fi can be a bit... temperamental (prepare to disconnect on a regular basis). The showers *could* be more powerful. The soundproofing in the rooms is... well, let's just say you'll hear everything. And the communal laundry situation can be a bit of a free-for-all (someone *will* probably steal your socks).
BUT... the good outweighs the bad, massively. The location is prime, the price is right, and the overall vibe is just... positive. It's a solid, reliable choice. And honestly, the imperfections are part of the charm. They're what make it a real backpacker experience, not some sterile chain hotel. It's real life, people! Embrace it!
Ok, but what about the *location*? Is it actually *close* to everything?
Yes! Absolutely. Ariki is bang-smack in the middle of everything you wanna go see, do, eat, and drink in New Plymouth. You're within walking distance of the Coastal Walkway, which is beautiful. Seriously. Go. It's stunning. Like, 'makes you forget you're walking after being cramped in a bus forTrip Hotel Hub
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Ariki Backpackers, New Plymouth's BEST Hostel!"